Let $𝒜$ be the algebra of quaternions $ℍ$ or octonions $𝕆$. In this manuscript an elementary proof is given, based on ideas of Cauchy and D’Alembert, of the fact that an ordinary polynomial $f\left(t\right)\in 𝒜\left[t\right]$ has a root in $𝒜$. As a consequence, the Jacobian determinant $\left|J\right(f\left)\right|$ is always non-negative in $𝒜$. Moreover, using the idea of the topological degree we show that a regular polynomial $g\left(t\right)$ over $𝒜$ has also a root in $𝒜$. Finally, utilizing multiplication ($*$) in $𝒜$, we prove various results on the topological degree of products...